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Ánako is a non-profit organisation using design to respond to social, humanitarian and environmental needs. Our work starts with listening and collaboration. Ideas need testing, prototypes and technical development before they become usable solutions.
Needs identified with our partners
We begin by listening to communities and people who understand the needs first-hand. Together, we define where design can be useful.
Ánako Nodes
Independent people and organisations connect Ánako to local contexts. Nodes can support the Challenge and develop their own local initiatives.
Ánako Challenge
Our main design programme invites universities worldwide to address annual challenges based on identified social, humanitarian and environmental needs.
3D Printing Design Award
A dedicated initiative exploring useful solutions that can be produced and replicated locally through 3D printing.
Supporting the Challenge locally
Nodes can support the same international Challenge with universities in their country, connecting teaching and design work with local knowledge.
Local needs
Needs identified locally can inform work with universities or lead to independent projects.
Annual challenges
Shared briefs give universities a concrete starting point for research and design.
Independent projects
Nodes can propose initiatives rooted in their communities, including projects already underway.
Universities
Students and lecturers contribute research, ideas and complementary skills, working with real situations.
Local project proposals
Local proposals can be developed entirely locally or taken forward together with Ánako and the wider network.
Solutions
Proposals are a starting point. Testing, prototypes and technical development help determine which solutions can work in practice.
Local development & delivery
Development, engineering, production and distribution are led by the node and local partners. A solution can remain local and still have full value.
Ánako-coordinated development & delivery
Selected projects can involve additional expertise and partners coordinated by Ánako. This route is agreed together, rather than being automatic.
Local people & communities
The goal is usefulness in everyday life: meeting a local need with a solution people can use and maintain.
People & communities where needed
When useful and feasible, solutions can be shared, adapted and replicated in other contexts.